Real Good for Free: Big Soul Ensemble @ Tess’ Lark Tavern

It’s no secret that Tess’ Lark Tavern is a prime destination. Metroland just named it Albany’s best bar – and we here at Nippertown certainly second that decision.

One reason is the Big Soul Ensemble. Led by saxmaster Keith Pray, this aptly named combo has a monthly residency there on the first Tuesday of month. And this is no ordinary night of entertainment. It’s an exceedingly rare opportunity to see and hear some of the area’s very best jazz musicians joining forces in a roof-raising celebration of big-band music – both vintage and contemporary – that will definitely feed your soul.

That’s right – big band music. And they don’t skimp, either. When they say big band, they mean 17 pieces. Count ’em – 17.

And it’s free! Great Googly Moogly, what more could you ask for?

Anyway, for the past several months, BSE has been recording their shows in the hopes of compiling a live album. In order to speed the process up a bit, the band will be rolling into the Lark Tavern on four consecutive Tuesdays between July 28 and August 18. All shows begin at 9pm.

This is awesome stuff! And while admission is free, donations will be accepted – and greatly appreciated.

Photos by Andrzej Pilarczyk.

Previously:
Real Good for Free: Hats Off Music Festival, Saratoga (7/31-8/1)
Real Good for Free: :30 Live! @ Berkshire Fringe (Mon / Wed)
Real Good for Free: Lake Luzerne (Thursdays)
Real Good for Free: Dutchman’s Landing, Catskill (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: The Crossings in Colonie (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: Rensselaer Riverfront Park (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: Kids’ shows in Troy (Wednesdays at noon)
Real Good for Free: Valatie’s Glynn Square (Sundays)
Real Good for Free: Schaghticoke Town Hall Gazebo (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: Brunswick Community Center (Tuesdays)
Real Good for Free: Thurman (Mondays)
Real Good for Free: Sharon Springs (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: Rock-It in Schenectady (Fridays)
Real Good for Free: Bethlehem Public Library (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: East Greenbush Comm. Library (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: Stony Creek Town Park (Tuesdays)
Real Good For Free: RiverLink Park, Amsterdam (Saturdays)
Real Good For Free: Halfmoon (Wednesdays)
Real Good For Free: Chestertown (Thursdays)
Real Good for Free: Bolton Landing (Tuesdays)
Real Good for Free: Greenport Park, Hudson (Fridays)
Real Good for Free: The Sounds of Salem (Saturday mornings)
Real Good For Free: AHMF @ Lake George (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: Latin Fest @ Washington Park (Sat. Aug. 29)
Real Good for Free: The Clark @ Williamstown (Tuedays)
Real Good For Free: Skidmore Jazz (Various days)
Real Good For Free: Schenectady Central Park (Sunday afternoons)
Real Good For Free: Clifton Park (Sundays)
Real Good for Free: Albany Public Library (Third Fridays)
Real Good for Free: At The Plaza, Albany (Wednesdays)
Real Good for Free: Skidmore’s Tang Museum (Fridays)
Real Good For Free: Rockin’ on the River, Troy (Wednesdays)
Real Good For Free: Pearl Street Live (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: Freedom Park, Scotia (Various days)
Real Good For Free: Jazz on Jay (Thursdays at noon)
Real Good For Free: Cook Park, Colonie (Tuesdays)
Real Good For Free: Lake George (Wednesdays)
Real Good For Free: Canajoharie (Tuesdays)
Real Good For Free: Guilderland (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: Alive @ 5 (Thursdays)
Real Good For Free: Powers Park (Saturdays)